Summary: We're back for episode 92! Our guest this week is Ryland Steen from the bands Reel Big Fish and America. Ryland Steen is a dynamic drummer who has toured internationally with Reel Big Fish since 2005 and has played and recorded with Maroon 5, Phantom Planet, The Elected, and many others. His excellent timing and versatility has caught the attention of magazines DRUM! and Modern Drummer, and Drummer (UK), as well as fans around the globe who are excited to watch his career grow. Ryland was born on August 31, 1980 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Having been raised in a house filled with music, he began his musical training at the age of 6 on piano. By age 13 he was ready to start banging on the drums. Ryland graduated high school early at the opportunity to tour the U.S. and participate in recording projects with Mike Mogis of Saddle Creek Records. At age 19 he jumped in a van with pop/fusion group Square and left the Midwest to head to California where they quickly immersed themselves in the competitive L.A. music scene. Ryland started playing with many different groups in Orange County and L.A., and worked with bands such as Audiovent, The Elected, Gerry Beckley (of America), Suburban Legends, Start Trouble, and Free Moral Agents. The latest stage in his career has proved to be his most rewarding – joining Orange County ska/punk band Reel Big Fish and touring the world and recording. Ryland can be heard on the band's double live album + DVD Our Live Album Is Better Than Your Live Album, 2007's Monkeys For Nothing And Your Chimps For Free, and recent album release Fame, Fortune and Fornication. Ryland spends 6-8 months a year on the road with the band, entertaining crowds of thousands each night across the U.S. and U.K. Along with headlining shows, the band plays the European festival circuit annually, including sets at Reading and Leeds in the U.K., Rock am Park and Rock am Ring in Germany, and also played the 2006 Dubai Desert Rock Festival in the Middle East. Being on the road has given Ryland the chance to develop himself as a professional player and make a name for himself as a gifted drummer. When not touring Ryland continues to do session work with Gerry Beckley (America) and Ikey Owens (The Mars Volta) and is gaining a reputation for being a ‘one take guy' for his precision and feel. As DRUM! stated in their review of Ryland's drumming on Reel Big Fish's live album, “The guy's playing is perfect.” For more info on Ryland please visit: www.rylandsteen.com For more info on Korey Kingston visit www.koreykingston.com or follow @koreykingston For more info on Funky Phil visit www.philpardell.com or follow @philpardell
